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The Coventry Music Museum
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The Coventry Music Museum

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See all things to do
The Coventry Music Museum
5
1,223 reviews
#1 of 75 things to do in Coventry
Speciality Museums
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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About
Our multi awatd winning museum celebrates music from Coventry and Warwickshire in all its forms. Not just 2-Tone. From Delia Derbyshire to King, from The Specials to The Enemy, Hazel O'Connor, The Primitives and even the famous John Lennon Yoko Ono visit to Coventry are all exhibited here. It's here you can sit in the actual Ghost Town Car. We are open Thursday to Saturday 10 to 4.00 (last entry ar 3.30) and on Sundays from 10 to 3.00 (last entry at 2.30).
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,223 reviews
Excellent
1,133
Very good
76
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Allan R
Nottingham, UK14 contributions
Enjoy Yourself
Mar 2023 • Solo
Wow what a throwback to the Best of British Music and what a cool vibe around the Village.
I decided to go today as I've been meaning to go for years and I have to say my 100 mile round trip was totally worth it, More importantly I got to sign Terry Halls book of condolences right next to Rick Butler of The Jam.

I also met Sarah's mum from The Primitives who was very helpful taking some photos in the Ghost Town Car and telling me all about The Primitives (very proud mum 😁).

The Collection of the Two Tone records is amazing apparently donated to the museum by a fan. There is an old recording booth that no more than 5 people can use at the same time (when you see it you will giggle like I did).

I though I was a top Two Tone fan but my knowledge just scratches the surface compared to the very helpful and lovely volunteers who just couldn't do enough for you.

It's £5 cash to get in and there is ample parking on the side streets which is free.

There is a small cafe I just had a coffee but the food did look great, The Jamaican food looked fab too. The gift shop is bursting with a mixture of memorabilia not only Two Tone but Signed sports memorabilia too and not at flea Bay prices which is a bonus. The is a great vinyl and CD section with plenty of choice for the Ska fan and others too.

Although only a couple of hours needed this an absolute must for any Ska Fan and Two Tone Fan.

Stars randomly turn up although unfortunately I didn't see any today, I was hoping Neville Staples would pop in as he has a gig in town tonight but he didn't whilst I was there.

This is a great little village with everything Ska even the alleys are named as are the gates and there is a wall of fame.

If you are in and around Coventry make sure you pop in you won't be disappointed 😁😁😁
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Oh Wow, thanks so much for this amazing review and the great score. Actually Nev turned up the next day (on Sunday) I'm afraid. So glad you loved your visit, and got to meet Tracy's mum too.
Written March 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GCSoutham
Southam, UK5 contributions
Really enjoyed my visit
Feb 2023 • Solo
Welcoming and knowledgeable staff with some really interesting and nostalgic exhibits. You can have a go on the instruments as you go in, which was great. It’s not just two tone, other exhibits on Cov bands but obviously most on two tone. Seeing the organ/synth Jerry Dammers used on stage and for Ghost Town was a real thrill. Carrot cake in the cafe opposite was superb. Plenty of buses from town, but walkable. Take cash as no cards taken on entry to the museum and cafe only takes cards over a fiver.
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Great words, many thanks
Written February 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark B
Houghton-le-Spring, UK3 contributions
There's more to Coventry than SKA
Jan 2023
A return visit to 2-Tone village and the museum. The staff really are a knowledgeable and friendly bunch, and whilst its great learning more about the wider Coventry music scene, its just great chewing the fat with a likeminded bunch who live and breathe the 2-Tone days.
Can't recommend this place enough, from rarities to memorabilia, theres loads to see (envious of the record collection), and when coupled with the venue, cafe and Suky's shop its a must visit place - Thank you!
Written January 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Wow! What a great review, thanks so much, Suky will be so chuffed..
Written January 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hemlin
Rugby, UK82 contributions
Well worth seeking out.
Feb 2023
A really well run boutique museum dedicated to Coventry's musical history. The focus is heavily on the 2 Tone era, but also covers a lot of diverse artists from other eras. The volunteers are very engaged and willing to help you take pictures and to answer any questions. The displays were arranged with a great deal of love and care. A really fun visit for a few hours.

One note. Remember to bring cash for entry, as the museum does not currently allow contactless payments.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Great words and yes we still ask for cash...
Written February 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HanniganAL
1 contribution
Great memories
Feb 2023
Loved seeing all the memorabilia from the 2-Tone era, brought back some great memories, and transported me back in time (as music has the power to do). Also enjoyed learning more about other artists from Coventry and the surrounding area. You only need a spare half an hour, and I'd highly recommend it to all music lovers
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Great that it took you back, love this review, many thanks.
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sellest
Bushey, UK5,223 contributions
Great Place!
Mar 2022
Visited here at the weekend with my partner and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. There is so much is crammed into this small museum that you can easily spend a couple of hours here. Lots of excellent memorabilia brought back so many memories and, of course, the chance to sit in the Ghost Town car was the icing on the cake. But what makes this so special is the enthusiasm of all the staff, who are just so friendly, chatty and knowledgeable (special mention here to Ruth!). Definitely worth a visit (especially if you are a fan of two tone) and at only £4 entrance it's great value for money. Do check opening times though - as it is not open every day.
Written March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Many thanks for these great words, Ruth will be so chuffed to be mentioned..
Written March 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carmen F
51 contributions
Legends Of Two-Tone
Oct 2022 • Couples
Fantastic museum worth every penny of £5 , staff very friendly & full of music knowledge, Great to see the car out of The Specials " Ghost Town " Video,
Plus the Electronic Keyboard that was used for the song.
Even better you get to sit in it & get a photo taken,
Cafe is great a Breakfast starts at £4 upto £6.50, Latte £2, they also do sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc.
There's a wall in the cage that's got alot of signatures from Pauline Black, Suggs, Nev Staple etc
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Wow, great words, thanks so much...Pete
Written October 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard T
Southampton, UK18 contributions
Really Intersting museum
Feb 2023
A small but fascinating museum. Well worth a detour for any music fan and a must visit destination for any fan of the Specials or 2 Tone. The museum covers the history of all Coventry music, but 2 Tone and particularly The Specials is the main draw. The 2 Tone cafe is also well worth a stop as well serving excellent value food and drinks with a Caribbean flavour.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Many thanks...
Written February 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Edward K
Dudley, UK15 contributions
A Must see for all music fans
May 2021 • Friends
Located in the heart of Coventry’s 2 Tone Village, The museum lovingly and carefully curates Coventry’s musical history together with the social and economic climate that gave rise to it.

The many varied exhibits showcase the music, artists, producers, pioneers, fashions and backdrop to the scene as it developed.

This is a must-see for music fans of all genres.

We were given a guided tour by Ian who, along with Pete is a font of knowledge.

There are a few surprises too, in particular a faithful reconstruction of Pete’s office at Morris Cars and a telephone that I wholeheartedly recommend you answer…. You won’t be disappointed.

After your visit enjoy a meal at The Simmer Down Café serving traditional fayre in addition to a Caribbean Menu that you really must try, I had the Mutton Curry with Rice n Peas which was fantastic.

Don’t forget the shopping. The village includes some fantastic stores including the ‘Hall of Fame’ memorabilia store and ‘2 Tone Corner’ a clothes store with authentic well priced clothing and accessories

Highly recommended
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pete Chambers
Fantastic words, thanks for the name check... see you again soon. Pete
Written June 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather W
3 contributions
An excellent experience.
Sep 2022
An excellent museum, with lots of memorabilia relating to local artists from around Coventry area and the 2Tone Record label. The museum is in a lovely quiet setting it’s own little courtyard off a main road. The staff at the museum are all volunteers and were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and happy to chat about memories and the exhibits. Also gave assistance with my brother who has some mobility difficulties. In the courtyard there is also the 2 Tone Cafe, where you can get very reasonably priced sandwiches and hot food, including a selection of Caribbean dishes. Everyone staff and visitors were very friendly and engaging.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godiva12
Wow, great words, many thanks, was so good to welcome you all...
Written September 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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The Coventry Music Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Coventry Music Museum
The Coventry Music Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking The Coventry Music Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 The Coventry Music Museum tours on Tripadvisor